The first measles-related deaths of the year have been reported in the U.S.
Two people have died of measles in Pennsylvania. These were the first measles-related deaths in the United States in 2026 and the first fatal measles cases in the state in 35 years.
According to the state Department of Health, neither person had been vaccinated against measles.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss. Since measles has been largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are unfamiliar with this disease and do not fully understand its potential severity,” Bogen said.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by the end of July, the number of confirmed measles cases in the country had exceeded the total for all of 2025.
Last year, 2,289 cases of measles were reported in the U.S. That was the highest number in more than 30 years.
Meanwhile, as of the end of July 2026, 2,777 cases had already been reported—the highest number since 1991.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
The first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years of age.
According to experts, one dose of the MMR vaccine provides about 93% protection against measles, while two doses provide about 97%.
ABC News reports this, citing the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
As a reminder, about 1.7 million Australians are unprotected against measles, which increases the risk of new outbreaks of the infection in the country. These findings were reached by the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), according to ABC News Australia.
